The decision to place a loved one in a nursing home can be very difficult to make. In many cases, it truly is the best situation. Although the initial adjustment can be very difficult for the resident, in the end nursing homes can often provide more consistent and wholesome care for elderly adults. Many people have heard horror stories about nursing homes where the elderly are abused and neglected. These stories may make people worry about their loved one's wellbeing. While there are substandard facilities, there are many that are truly dedicated to providing quality care. Individuals that are wondering how to find a nursing home for their loved one should take a few things into consideration.
Policies of the Facility
One of the first things to look out for when choosing a nursing home is their policies when it comes to visitation. If it seems like the staff members are trying to diminish the amount of time that family members are allowed to see residents, it could be because they have something to hide. Before admitting a loved one, it might be a good idea to take a tour of the facility. Clutter in the hallways is a bad sign. This clutter could cause a resident to fall and receive a serious injury. Notice if the resident's rooms are clean, and if the residents look well cared for. If one is wondering how to find a nursing home, they should be paying attention to these types of details.
Conduct of the Nurses
Loved ones that are worried about how to find a nursing home for family member should also look at how the staff members interact with the residents. Does the staff demean the residents, and treat them like children that need to be controlled? Or do they approach the residents with empathy and compassion? Are they willing to listen to the resident's concerns and try to resolve them? It is important to acknowledge the elderly are adults. Even if they may demonstrate odd or childlike behaviors, it does not mean that they can't tell if someone is talking down to them. Elderly adults need to participate in activities that will help them to maintain their current level of functioning, and develop meaningful relationships. They need love and support.
Research the Facility
You may also turn to the internet and conduct some research on a particular nursing facility. Check to see if there are any articles or reviews on the facility, whether positive or negative. Just because a patient had a negative experience does not automatically mean that the care facility is engaging in illegal conduct, but it is a warning sign that should be investigated further. On the flip side, nursing homes that seem to be well regarded by prior residents or their family members, and have received many positive remarks or reviews, might be a good place to look into further.
You may also check public lawsuit records to see whether the facility has been sued by residents before, and if so how often, and for what purposes. Many businesses are faced with lawsuits on a continuous basis, which can be brought for any number of reasons. However, a facility with a history of elder abuse lawsuits is probably a place that you should avoid.
Anyone that wants to know how to find a nursing home should do their research to ensure that their loved one will be well taken care of. Good nursing homes make sure their residents are given nutritious food, bathed regularly, and treated with dignity and respect. Unfortunately there are care facilities that do not live up to these standards, and there will be cases of elderly abuse in these settings. If someone is worried that a specific nursing home is engaging in abusive conduct, they should report the abuse immediately, and contact a nursing home abuse attorney to ensure that the resident is being well taken care of.
Holm Law Group is a San Diego based civil litigation law firm,
dedicated to providing outstanding and personalized representation for
our clients. Our team of personal injury and elder abuse lawyers
help vindicate the rights of those who have suffered from elder abuse
or neglect, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and various other types
of serious injury. If you or a loved one has been injured, or if you
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